Laikipia
In the shadow of Mt. Kenya, Laikipia is like nowhere else in Africa. Miles and miles of unfenced wilderness and stunning scenery with wildlife that is on the increase and in greater numbers than anywhere else in Kenya, except the Masai Mara. Laikipia boasts a wonderful variable landscape of rocky outcrops, rivers, riverine forest, acacia woodland, open plains and escarpments.
Formerly a patchwork of farms and huge ranches and still an important livestock district, Laikipia is now one of Kenya’s most encouraging conservation success stories. The ranches and conservationists work together to protect the wildlife, the environment as well as promoting a personal, small-scale approach to adventurous and often luxurious safari tourism. Laikipia is the perfect base for exploring Kenya’s northern frontier.
highlights
Wildlife
Laikipia and the wider Ewaso ecosystem is home to a large diversity of animals and birds. The wildlife numbers here are higher than in any other protected areas in Kenya. Besides the ‘Big 5’ and the ‘Special 5’, the area has some of the best wild dog sightings in Africa. If you’re lucky you may also see the black leopard, striped hyena, aardwolf and aardvark.
Birdlife
The Special 5
Laikipia is home to the ‘Special 5’ – animals that are endemic to only this part of Kenya. They are the Reticulated Giraffe, the endangered Grevy Zebra, Beisa Oryx, Somali Ostrich and the Gerenuk Gazelle.
Camel Trekking & Rides
There is something wonderful about a camel safari in the African wilderness. An adventure fly-camping experience with your camel train trekking to the fertile Matthews Mountain region in the traditional manner of the northern Kenya tribes. Ride or walk alongside the camels with the local guides, observing the wildlife on foot, then spend a night in a tent out in the wilderness.
For a little something out of the ordinary, enjoy a camel ride led by a Maasai Moran. It’s a great way to enjoy the wilderness and get a close view of the landscape and plains game.
Walking Safari
Experience a private walking safari, led by a wonderful team of Samburu tribesmen – Nomadic pastoralists who are still very true to their culture today. Walk through spectacular landscape, amongst the wildlife, at a pace that you dictate. The camp will be set up for you each day and there is a choice of camp from rugged fly camping, with a comfortable bedroll in a small tent, to staying in a luxury tented camp. After a day of walking, swimming in rivers and beneath refreshing waterfalls, return to the camp for your wonderful meal cooked over an open fire.
Conservation
Laikipia is a model for wildlife conservation on private and community owned land. In the 1980s Laikipa took the lead in the development of conservancies, spearheaded by the Solio and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Guests visiting the conservancies in Laikipia are already contributing to conservation through conservancy fees. Various conservancies offer guests the opportunity to experience and actively participate in their conservation activities. It’s a great way to experience the workings of the conservancies.
Maasai village visits
For anyone interested in the local traditional culture, a visit to an authentic Maasai village is a must. It’s a unique experience interacting and being entertained by with amazing people.
Horseback safaris
Black Rhino Tracking
Scenic Flights
Adventure Fly Camping
Historical Site Visits
Walking Wild
Karisia Walking Safaris
A walking safari offers a unique perspective of not just the animals, but the land they live in. Experiencing the land on foot fine tune the senses and experience of the country in vivid and exciting details.
Karisia Walking Safaris is a small, family-run set-up in a remote part of Northern Laikipia. Based on Tumaren ranch, a 3000-acre wildlife conservancy, Karisia specialise in custom built safaris to suit the guests needs. With camel-assisted walking safaris that explore the farther reaches of Laikipia, guests can choose overnight fly-camps to make a multi-day safari from A to B. There are also options for guests to stay at the Base or Satellite Camp and go out each day on walks, camel rides, drives, or rock climbing. All walking safaris are done in the company of the local Ndorobo trackers.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a truly unique wildlife conservancy situated between the foothills of Mount Kenya and the Aberdares. At the forefront of the Kenyan conservancy program in East Africa and with over 10000 large mammals, it is the only park where the Big 5 and chimpanzees can be seen. With the fastest growing population of rhino in Africa the Conservancy is home to the southern white rhino, about 80 endangered black rhino and two of the world’s last remaining northern white rhino. There are many activities for guests to enjoy.
Activities
- Visit the last 2 remaining Northern White Rhinos in the world.
- Meet Baraka the blind Rhino
- Anti-Poaching Dog Unit Interactions
- Lion Tracking
- Visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary
- Getting Behind the Scenes of the chimp sanctuary
- Horse Riding in the Endangered Species Enclosure
- Horse Riding in the Wild
- Junior Ranger Club for kids between 4 – 12 years.
Best time to visit
